Development of Teaching Materials in Geometry by Designing Unfolding of Geometric Shapes for Visually Impaired Students in Upper Elementary Level

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop the teaching materials of geometry using the unfolding and refolding of geometric shapes for understanding of structure, surface and geometry calculations of the visually impaired students in upper elementary class. The teaching materials of 9 geometric shapes with braille labeled as the names of each shape were designed and made. The materials with the most suitable properties were selected and then designed for geometric instructional media by assessment from 3 experts and 10 visually impaired students in grade 6 at The Bangkok School for The blind. In the experiment of geometric shapes forming with 6different materials, it was found that the plaswood sheet made into a structure by attached with the small magnetic strip and covered with PVC sticker sheet was the most suitable model due to it’s strong, smooth surface, beautiful and durable for unfolding and refolding many times. The clear embossed dots of the braille for the name label on all shapes was printed by UV inkjet printer. When the teaching tools were tested for application, the experts evaluated that the qualities were very good in terms of suitability for use, teaching tools and the braille. Furthermore, the visually impaired students were also satisfied at the highest level in all aspects. The results of observation showed that the visually impaired students were very interested and enjoyed learning with the unfolding of geometric shapes. These teaching materials could be enhance their self-learning in size measurement and geometry calculation such as area or volume. This supports teaching and learning by Method of Sense Realism which make students have better memory and understanding.